Set Up a Business at Dubai Industrial City: 2026 Guide
Dubai Industrial City (DIC) is one of the UAE’s largest dedicated industrial free zones, purpose-built for manufacturers, logistics operators, and industrial distributors who want a cost-effective base within reach of global trade routes. Established in 2004 by TECOM Group PJSC, the free zone sits minutes from Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, giving businesses some of the best access to sea, air, and rail freight connections in the region.
The free zone currently hosts more than 1,100 customers, including over 350 operational factories, spanning six distinct industrial zones: food and beverage, transport equipment and parts, machinery and equipment, mineral products, base metals, and chemicals. From a pre-built warehouse for a growing logistics company to a bespoke industrial land plot for a large manufacturer, DIC offers a range of space options designed to scale with your operation.
This guide covers everything you need to know about setting up at Dubai Industrial City in 2026, including the registration process, licence types, legal entities, infrastructure, facilities, costs, and how DIC stacks up against other UAE free zones and mainland options.
What Is Dubai Industrial City and Who Regulates It?
Dubai Industrial City is a dedicated industrial free zone operated by TECOM Group PJSC, one of Dubai’s leading listed real estate and business park companies. TECOM Group was founded in 1999 and today manages 10 business districts across Dubai, serving more than 12,200 customers and a community of over 137,000 professionals, according to the TECOM Group website.
DIC was established specifically to accelerate the growth of the manufacturing and industrial sector in the UAE, in line with the UAE government’s broader economic diversification agenda. According to Dubai Industrial City’s official website, the free zone builds “a progressive ecosystem that serves the increasing demands of the manufacturing sectors.”
The regulatory framework at DIC is managed by TECOM Group PJSC, which acts as the free zone authority, overseeing licensing, registration, and compliance for all businesses operating within its boundaries. Government and corporate services, including visa processing and licensing, are delivered through TECOM’s integrated digital platform, axs, which provides access to more than 200 government and corporate solutions.
At the emirate level, Dubai’s broader industrial policy is guided by the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033. Dubai Industrial City is a core enabler of that goal, strengthening domestic value chains and amplifying the Made in UAE brand globally.
What Types of Companies and Business Activities Are Allowed in Dubai Industrial City?
Dubai Industrial City is primarily a manufacturing and logistics-focused free zone, making it most suitable for businesses involved in production, warehousing, storage, and industrial distribution. The free zone issues four main categories of licence, each covering a distinct range of activities.
Industrial Licence
This is the most commonly issued licence at DIC and covers manufacturing operations across the six designated industrial zones. Businesses in sectors such as food processing, chemicals production, base metal fabrication, machinery assembly, mineral product manufacturing, and transport equipment production typically hold an industrial licence.
Commercial Licence
A commercial licence permits a broad range of commercial operations within DIC, including the buying and selling of goods, import and export activities, and distribution. It is suited to businesses that act as trading entities within the industrial ecosystem.
Trading Licence
A trading licence covers the lawful buying, selling, and storage of specific goods. It is commonly held by importers and distributors who operate from DIC warehouses and ship goods to customers across the GCC and wider MENA region.
Service Licence
A service licence is required for professional services firms operating within the DIC community, including consultancies, technical service providers, accounting and auditing firms, and management companies. Support businesses serving the industrial community can register under this category.
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What Are the Six Industrial Zones at Dubai Industrial City?
Dubai Industrial City is organised into six primary industrial clusters, each designed to group compatible businesses together, encourage supply chain collaboration, and reduce logistics costs within the community. According to the official Dubai Industrial City website, these zones cover metals, machinery, minerals, food and beverage, transport, and chemicals.
Food and Beverage Zone
This cluster is designated for the production and processing of food products and beverages. It is one of the most active zones at DIC, hosting both local and international food manufacturers catering to the GCC market. Companies in this zone benefit from being located near major ports and airports for efficient import of raw materials and export of finished goods.
Transport Equipment and Parts Zone
This zone covers the manufacture, assembly, and distribution of vehicles, vehicle components, trailers, and related transport equipment. It attracts businesses involved in spare parts manufacturing, fleet maintenance equipment, and aftermarket automotive products.
Machinery and Equipment Zone
Industrial machinery manufacturers, equipment assemblers, and engineering firms are clustered here. The zone caters to businesses producing heavy equipment, industrial tools, construction machinery, and specialist engineering products.
Mineral Products Zone
This cluster hosts companies working with stone, glass, ceramics, concrete, and other mineral-derived products. Construction material manufacturers and building products suppliers are common tenants in this zone.
Base Metals Zone
The base metals zone is designated for steel fabrication, aluminium processing, copper products, and related metalworking businesses. It is one of the larger zones within DIC, reflecting the UAE’s position as a regional hub for metal manufacturing and processing.
Chemicals Zone
This zone accommodates companies involved in the production, storage, and distribution of chemical products, including industrial chemicals, cleaning products, paints, adhesives, and specialty chemicals. The zone meets international safety standards for the handling and storage of regulated chemical materials.
How Do I Set Up a Company in Dubai Industrial City, Step by Step?
Setting up at Dubai Industrial City follows a structured process managed by TECOM Group. The official DIC website outlines a three-stage registration journey covering business consultation, space selection, and licensing. Below is an expanded version of those steps, including the document preparation and banking stage.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity and Legal Structure
Before submitting any forms, you need to determine which of the four licence categories applies to your business activity and whether you will register a new Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC) or set up as a branch of an existing company. Your choice of activity also determines which industrial zone your operation will be based in. Contacting the DIC business setup team at this stage helps clarify requirements specific to your industry.
Step 2: Select Your Space
DIC offers a wide range of property options, from industrial land plots and pre-built warehouses to commercial office spaces, open yards, showrooms, and workers’ accommodation. Using the “Find Your Fit” tool on the official DIC website, you can shortlist the most suitable product for your business needs before progressing to a formal application.
Step 3: Submit Your Application and Supporting Documents
Once you have identified your activity, legal structure, and preferred space, you submit a formal application to DIC along with your supporting documents (see the documents section below). The DIC team reviews your application and issues a customer confirmation letter outlining the proposed terms, lease arrangement, and payment schedule.
Step 4: Execute Agreements and Pay Fees
After reviewing and signing the customer confirmation letter, you complete the required payment. The registration and licensing department then issues your company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), and a bank introduction letter. These must be countersigned and returned to DIC before your licence is formally issued.
Step 5: Open a Corporate Bank Account
With your MOA, AOA, and trade licence in hand, you can open a corporate bank account at a UAE-licensed bank. Once the bank issues its confirmation letter, you deposit the required share capital (for FZ-LLC applicants) and return the bank letter to DIC to complete the registration process.
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What Documents Are Required to Register a Company at Dubai Industrial City?
The document requirements for DIC registration vary slightly depending on whether you are forming a new FZ-LLC or registering a branch. The following list covers the standard requirements for most applicants. Original documents should be attested where required by the relevant authority.
For a New Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC)
- Completed licence application form (available from DIC or via the axs services platform)
- Business plan outlining the proposed activities, market, and operational model
- Passport copies of all shareholders, directors, and the legal representative
- Specimen signatures of all shareholders and directors
- Proof of address for all shareholders (e.g. utility bill or bank statement, not older than three months)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the shareholder’s current UAE employer, if applicable
- Bank reference letter or statement confirming financial standing
For a Branch of an Existing Company
- Completed licence application form
- Certified copy of the parent company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Board resolution authorising the establishment of the branch and naming the legal representative
- Power of Attorney in favour of the branch manager or legal representative
- Certificate of Incorporation and Good Standing of the parent company
- Passport copy of the legal representative
- Audited financial statements of the parent company (most recent two years)
All foreign documents must be notarised, attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin, and counter-attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Allow two to three weeks for document legalisation if your corporate documents are held outside the UAE.
What Legal Entity Types Are Available at Dubai Industrial City?
Dubai Industrial City supports two primary legal entity structures, each suited to different stages of business development and ownership arrangements.
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
The FZ-LLC is the most common entity type for new businesses setting up at DIC. It can be incorporated by a single shareholder or multiple shareholders, and both individuals and corporate entities may hold shares. At least one director is required. The liability of each shareholder is limited to their contribution to the share capital, providing a layer of personal asset protection.
The FZ-LLC is a legally separate entity from its shareholders and can enter into contracts, hold assets, and open bank accounts in its own name. For businesses planning long-term operations, manufacturing investments, or supply chain partnerships across the GCC, the FZ-LLC is generally the recommended structure.
Branch of an Existing UAE or Foreign Company
A branch office is not a separate legal entity. It operates as an extension of the parent company and carries the parent’s legal identity and liabilities. There is no minimum share capital requirement for a branch, making it a lower-cost entry point for established businesses that want to test the DIC market before committing to a full subsidiary structure.
Branches are commonly used by multinational manufacturers and logistics companies that already have an established legal entity in another jurisdiction and want to extend their operations into Dubai’s industrial ecosystem without creating a new standalone company.
Trying to decide between an FZ-LLC and a branch structure for your DIC operation?
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What Are the Government Fees and Setup Costs at Dubai Industrial City?
Dubai Industrial City does not publish a standard public fee schedule, as costs vary significantly depending on your chosen business activity, entity type, and space requirements. Fees are structured across several categories. The table below outlines the key cost components you can expect when budgeting for your DIC setup.
Contact Dubai Industrial City directly via the official website at dubaiindustrialcity.ae or through the axs services platform to receive a tailored cost estimate for your specific activity and space.
| Cost Component | Description | Notes |
| Registration Fee | One-time fee charged upon initial company registration | Payable to TECOM Group at the time of application |
| Trade Licence Fee | Annual fee to maintain your DIC trade licence | Varies by licence category (industrial, commercial, trading, service) and activity |
| Lease / Space Cost | Annual rent for your chosen facility (land, warehouse, office, etc.) | Warehouse units: 5,000 to 11,000 sq ft. Pricing on request from DIC |
| Visa Fees | Per-employee fee for UAE residence visa processing | Processed via the axs services platform; number of visas linked to your licensed space |
| Share Capital Deposit | Required for FZ-LLC applicants | Deposited into your corporate bank account; amount varies by activity |
| Corporate Tax (if applicable) | 9% on taxable profits above AED 375,000 (approx. USD 102,000) | Per Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022; free zone qualifying income may benefit from 0% |
| VAT Registration | 5% VAT on applicable supplies | Mandatory if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 per annum |
Note: All fees above exclude VAT where applicable. For an accurate cost breakdown, contact DIC via their official website or speak to a business setup adviser who can obtain a formal quote on your behalf.
What Is the Minimum Share Capital Requirement at Dubai Industrial City?
The minimum share capital requirement at Dubai Industrial City depends on the entity type you are registering. For a Free Zone LLC, a minimum share capital is required and must be deposited in a UAE corporate bank account as part of the registration process. Branch offices have no minimum capital requirement, as the branch operates under the financial umbrella of its parent company.
Dubai Industrial City sets its capital requirements in line with TECOM Group policies. The precise amount varies by business activity and the scale of the planned operation. For manufacturing-focused activities, the capital requirement typically reflects the capital-intensive nature of the sector. Contact DIC directly or work with a registered business setup adviser to confirm the specific capital requirement for your activity before submitting your application.
Once deposited, the share capital is available for the business to use as working capital. There is no lock-in period after registration is complete, though your bank will require evidence of the deposit before issuing the bank confirmation letter required by DIC.
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How Many Visas Can I Get with a Dubai Industrial City Licence?
The number of UAE residence visas available to your company at DIC is linked to the size of your licensed premises, in accordance with MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) and TECOM Group requirements. The standard rule applied across most UAE free zones ties visa allocation to the amount of office or operational space held by the licence holder.
For commercial office spaces, the typical benchmark is approximately 9 square metres of space per employee. For industrial operations, visa quotas may be significantly higher, as manufacturing and logistics businesses often require large workforces relative to their footprint. DIC also offers dedicated workers’ accommodation within the free zone, which provides purpose-built housing for factory workers and logistics staff.
If you are planning to hire a large manufacturing workforce, you can expand your visa allocation by leasing additional space or workers’ accommodation units within the free zone. The axs services platform, operated by TECOM Group, handles visa processing for all DIC businesses, offering more than 200 government and corporate solutions through a single integrated digital interface.
As visa rules are subject to change by MOHRE, always verify the current allocation formula with DIC or a licensed immigration adviser before finalising your space and workforce planning.
What Facilities and Space Options Does Dubai Industrial City Offer?
Dubai Industrial City provides one of the most comprehensive ranges of industrial and commercial facilities of any UAE free zone. According to the official DIC website, the offerings span nine distinct product categories, enabling businesses of all sizes to find a space that suits their operational requirements.
Industrial Land
DIC offers strategically located industrial land for long-term lease, fully serviced with road access, power, water, and telecommunications. Industrial land plots are suited to businesses that need to construct purpose-built facilities to their own specifications. The free zone’s road network spans 105 kilometres, including a 10-kilometre spine road with four lanes providing a dual carriageway linking the city from north to south. Electrical infrastructure includes four 132 KVA substations providing a total of 800 megawatts of available power, with instant access of up to 4 megawatts per plot, as stated on the official DIC website.
Warehouses
Pre-built warehouse units are available in sizes ranging from 5,000 to 11,000 square feet, according to the official DIC website. Each unit comes with internal lighting, state-of-the-art fire protection systems, on-site parking and a dedicated loading area, a 6 x 6 metre sliding main door, and 24-hour security. Units can be combined to create larger operational footprints, making DIC warehouses suitable for light manufacturing, logistics, and cold, chemical, or general storage.
Workers’ Accommodation
One of the more distinctive features of DIC is its on-site workers’ accommodation (also referred to as labour villages). These purpose-built residential facilities provide safe, well-equipped housing for factory workers and logistics staff, complete with advanced amenities and a fully serviced community environment. Having accommodation on-site reduces commuting time, improves workforce retention, and allows businesses to house large workforces in close proximity to their operations.
Commercial Spaces
For businesses that need office space within the free zone, DIC offers fully fitted, flexible commercial offices in a vibrant working environment. These are suited to management teams, back-office functions, and professional services firms serving the industrial community.
Open Yards
Securely fenced and fully serviced outdoor storage yards are available for businesses that need large-scale open-air storage for heavy equipment, vehicles, raw materials, or finished goods. Open yards are a practical and cost-effective alternative for businesses that do not require enclosed warehouse space.
Showrooms
Customisable showroom units are available for businesses that need to display products to trade customers or retail buyers. The flexible layouts allow businesses to configure their display environment to suit their product range.
in5 Innovation Centres
DIC is home to an in5 centre, TECOM Group’s innovation and start-up platform supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs in technology, design, and media. in5 provides co-working spaces, mentorship, training, and access to TECOM’s broader business community, making it a gateway for tech-enabled industrial innovators and start-up manufacturers.
GoFreelance
For individual professionals in design, media, or education, DIC offers a GoFreelance package that provides a UAE freelance permit, enabling solo operators to work legally within the free zone and beyond without needing to incorporate a full company.
Interested in the GoFreelance package at Dubai Industrial City?
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What Are the Key Benefits of Setting Up at Dubai Industrial City?
Dubai Industrial City offers a compelling combination of location, infrastructure, regulatory ease, and economic incentives that make it one of the most attractive industrial free zones in the MENA region. Here are the principal advantages.
100% Foreign Ownership
As a designated UAE free zone, DIC permits 100% foreign ownership of registered companies. There is no requirement for a UAE national sponsor or local partner, and profits and capital can be repatriated in full without restriction.
Zero Personal and Corporate Income Tax
There is no personal income tax in the UAE, making Dubai one of the most attractive destinations for business owners and employees globally. For corporate tax, the UAE introduced a 9% rate on profits above AED 375,000 under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, effective from financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. Free zone businesses that meet qualifying income criteria can benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income. Consult a UAE tax adviser to confirm your entity’s position.
Strategic Location on Major Trade Routes
According to the official DIC website, the free zone is strategically located near Jebel Ali Port (one of the world’s busiest container ports), Al Maktoum International Airport, the Dubai Industrial City Etihad Rail freight terminal, Emirates Road (E611), and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311). This connectivity allows manufacturers at DIC to receive raw materials and dispatch finished goods to GCC and global markets with minimal logistics friction.
Duty-Free Import of Machinery and Raw Materials
Machinery, equipment, and raw materials imported for use in manufacturing operations within the free zone are exempt from UAE import duties. This is a significant cost saving for manufacturers that source inputs internationally.
GCC Market Access via UAE Free Trade Agreements
Manufacturers at DIC who incorporate 40% local value-added content in their products qualify for tariff-free access to the six GCC markets and the MENA region under the terms of the UAE’s Free Trade Agreement provisions. This is a powerful incentive for businesses producing goods for regional distribution.
World-Class Infrastructure
DIC’s infrastructure is among the most advanced in the UAE industrial sector. The 105-kilometre road network, 800 megawatts of available electricity, DEWA-connected water supply, and fibre optic telecommunications network provide the reliable utilities that manufacturing operations demand.
Axs Smart Services
TECOM Group’s axs platform provides businesses at DIC with streamlined access to more than 200 government and corporate services, including visa processing, licensing, and corporate administration, through a single digital interface. This reduces administrative burden and speeds up day-to-day operations.
How Does Dubai Industrial City Compare to Other UAE Free Zones and Mainland?
Understanding how DIC sits relative to other options helps you make a well-informed decision about where to set up your manufacturing or industrial operation.
Zone Comparison: Dubai Industrial City (DIC) vs JAFZA vs Dubai Mainland
| Factor | Dubai Industrial City (DIC) | JAFZA (Jebel Ali) | Dubai Mainland (DED) |
| Focus Sector | Manufacturing, logistics, industrial | Trade, logistics, oil and gas | All commercial and industrial sectors |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% | 100% | 100% (since 2021 reforms) |
| Location | Near Jebel Ali and Al Maktoum Airport | Jebel Ali Port and SEZ | Across Dubai emirate |
| Industrial Land | Available for lease | Available for lease | Purchase or lease via DED/Dubai Municipality |
| Workers’ Accommodation | On-site labour villages | Available nearby | Separate accommodation required |
| Setup Process | Via TECOM Group / axs platform | Via JAFZA authority | Via DED and relevant approval bodies |
| GCC Market Access | Via UAE FTA (40% local value-add) | Direct GCC access | Full GCC market access |
| Corporate Tax | 0% on qualifying income (free zone) | 0% on qualifying income (free zone) | 9% on profits above AED 375,000 |
| Best For | Medium to large manufacturers, logistics, F&B, chemicals | Large multinationals, port-dependent trade | Businesses needing UAE-wide commercial access |
DIC stands out from most free zones because of its dedicated industrial infrastructure, on-site workers’ accommodation, and the six-zone cluster model that encourages supply chain synergies between related businesses. For a manufacturer that needs to import raw materials, produce goods, house a large workforce, and export finished products, DIC offers an unusually self-contained operational environment.
Compared to Dubai mainland, DIC offers the typical free zone advantages of 100% foreign ownership and import duty exemptions, but limits your direct commercial activity to the free zone and export markets. Businesses that need to sell directly to UAE mainland customers may need a mainland distributor or a dual-licence arrangement.
Not sure whether DIC or Dubai mainland is the right fit for your business?
Our business setup advisers can assess your activity, ownership structure, and market access needs to recommend the best jurisdiction for your operation.
Insider Tips
- Visit the “Find Your Fit” tool on the official DIC website (dubaiindustrialcity.ae) before enquiring. It narrows down the right product category (land, warehouse, office, open yard) based on your business type and size, saving time in initial consultations.
- If you plan to hire a large manufacturing workforce, enquire about workers’ accommodation units at the same time as your main licence. Accommodation within DIC directly supports your visa quota and reduces commuting costs for your team.
- Use the axs smart services platform (axs2.my.site.com) to manage visa applications, licence renewals, and corporate services online. TECOM Group’s platform consolidates over 200 government services in one place, which is significantly more efficient than visiting multiple government offices.
- If you are a startup or SME exploring manufacturing innovation, check whether the DIC in5 centre is a fit before committing to a full warehouse lease. in5 offers subsidised space, mentorship, and access to the broader TECOM ecosystem, and can serve as a testing ground before you scale to a larger facility.
- Budget for document legalisation early. If your shareholders or parent company documents are held outside the UAE, notarisation and UAE Embassy attestation can take two to three weeks. Start this process before submitting your DIC application to avoid delays.
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Dubai Industrial City is one of the UAE’s most capable industrial ecosystems, but navigating the registration process, selecting the right space, and securing the correct licence category requires local expertise and a clear understanding of the documentation requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Up at Dubai Industrial City
Dubai Industrial City is one of Dubai’s largest dedicated industrial free zones, established in 2004 by TECOM Group PJSC. It hosts more than 1,100 customers and over 350 operational factories across six industrial zones covering food and beverage, transport, machinery, mineral products, base metals, and chemicals. It is located near Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport.
Dubai Industrial City is operated by TECOM Group PJSC, which acts as the free zone authority. TECOM Group is a Dubai-listed company that manages 10 business districts across Dubai. Government and corporate services at DIC are delivered through TECOM’s axs smart services platform.
Dubai Industrial City issues four main categories of licence: industrial, commercial, trading, and service. Industrial licences are the most common and cover manufacturing operations across the six designated zones. Contact DIC directly or via the axs platform to confirm which category applies to your specific business activity.
Yes. As a designated UAE free zone, Dubai Industrial City permits 100% foreign ownership of registered companies. There is no requirement for a UAE national partner or sponsor, and there are no restrictions on repatriation of profits or capital.
The minimum share capital for a Free Zone LLC at Dubai Industrial City varies by business activity. Contact DIC directly via dubaiindustrialcity.ae for the current requirement applicable to your specific activity. Branch office applicants have no minimum capital requirement.
The timeline for DIC company registration depends on how quickly you can prepare and submit your documents, and on the complexity of your business activity. Once all documents are in order and fees are paid, the registration and licensing department can issue your trade licence and formation documents. Working with an experienced business setup adviser typically shortens the process significantly.
Dubai Industrial City offers industrial land for custom-built facilities, pre-built warehouses (5,000 to 11,000 sq ft) for light manufacturing and logistics, open storage yards, commercial offices, showrooms, workers’ accommodation (on-site), retail spaces, and access to in5 innovation centres. The free zone also provides 105 kilometres of road network, 800 megawatts of electrical capacity, DEWA-connected water, and a fibre optic telecommunications network.
The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on taxable profits above AED 375,000 under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, effective for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. Free zone entities that earn qualifying income may benefit from a 0% tax rate on that income. You should obtain advice from a registered UAE tax adviser to determine your entity’s specific tax position.
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